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Last updated: 31 July, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

A-listers have been flying to Rio to stay at this glorious art nouveau pile overlooking Copacabana beach since 1933, when Fred and Ginger used it as a backdrop for their first film. This is Rio’s stylish grand dame hotel and the building oozes heritage – photos of guests from Orson Welles to Prince Charles adorn the ballroom gallery.

The best rooms are in the original art nouveau older building (not the ungainly modern annexe), with lovely sea views. These come in contemporary neutral tones with Juliet balconies, polished wood floors (with Persian carpets), marble bathrooms, and Belle Epoque French furniture. Suites are similar but with separate sitting rooms and the 100 metre-square penthouses come with butlers.

There are three uber-elegant restaurants, including Mee – the only pan-Asian restaurant in the city to win a Michelin star.

Surrounding area

The hotel is right on the Avenida Atlantica urban highway and overlooks Copacabana beach. The neighbourhood is busy day and night, and a little tawdry after dark, but the municipal authorities are cleaning things up. Streets behind are mixed middle-class residential and commercial, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: Onsite
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking
: Nearby *
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Sandy beach with tourists and city in backgound
Experience

Copacabana Beach

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[0.2 miles]

This world-famous 4km crescent is the epicentre of Rio’s beach scene and the perfect place for beach sports and people-watching. It;’s not great for swimming – water quality is especially poor when the tide comes in.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Overview >

Walk the Pista Claudio Coutinho

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[2 miles]

A wonderful rainforest and beach walk that winds around Morro da Urca hill next to Sugar Loaf mountain, offering myriad beautiful mountain and ocean views.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 45 mins (one way)

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

People play football sandy beach
Experience

Football lessons on Ipanema Beach

Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Region, Brazil[3.6 miles]

Pelé da Praia has been teaching locals and tourists Brazilian football tricks on Ipanema beach for more than a decade. One-to-one tuition and group classes available. Contact him at peledapraia1@hotmail.com.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 1-2 hours

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Overview >
Waves crashing on busy sandy beach
Experience

Ipanema Beach

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[4.1 miles]

Rio’s prettiest, chicest ocean beach, is watched over by the impressive Dois Irmaos mountain that sits behind. The water is cleaner, and the crowd more exclusive the further south you go, where Ipanema Beach merges into the more upscale Leblon Beach.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Overview >

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[4.7 miles]

Once the Emperor’s private retreat, these gardens brim with rare plants and are a haven for birds and butterflies

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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Overview >
Brightly painted cobbled stairs in street
Experience

Selaron Steps

Rio de Janeiro , Southeastern Region, Brazil[5.8 miles]

An Instagram favourite, these colourful mosaic steps were created by Chilean immigrant Jorge Selaron. Visit the bottom end in Lapa (off Rua Joaquim Silva) – the upper reaches in Santa Teresa lie close to a favela and are unsafe.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Rio de Janeiro

Southeastern Region, Brazil

Heaven for healthy hedonists – hang glide, surf or hike by day, relax on the beach and party all night. Then, of course, there’s that carnival…

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